University Hospital Geelong lauded for stroke care

University Hospital Geelong has been recognised for its excellence in caring for stroke patients, becoming the first in the Geelong region to receive stroke unit certification from the Australian Stroke Coalition.

The ASC Stroke Unit Certification Program certifies hospitals that consistently meet a stringent set of national criteria designed to deliver the best possible stroke care to patients.

This includes caring for all stroke patients on a single dedicated ward, providing specialist staffing, regular training, data monitoring and improvement, and patient involvement in decision making.

University Hospital Geelong is among only 25 Australian hospitals that are officially certified, with other Victorian hospitals including Austin Health, Alfred Hospital, Echuca Hospital and Box Hill Hospital.

Stroke Foundation chief executive officer Dr Lisa Murphy said the certification would improve outcomes for patients.

“Treatment on a dedicated stroke unit is proven to make the biggest overall difference of any intervention to patient outcomes following stroke, reducing the risks of both death and disability.

“Both Australian and international evidence suggests that rigorous stroke centre certification programs improve the quality of stroke care and patient outcomes.”

The need for a certification system was reinforced by findings in Stroke Foundation’s National Acute Services Audit 2024, which found that not all Australian hospitals with a self-designated stroke unit meet the requirements for stroke unit care.

“This means some people with stroke are being provided suboptimal care which impacts their recovery and leads to poorer health outcomes. This is unfair,” Dr Murphy said.

“All Australian survivors of stroke deserve the best quality of care regardless of where they are hospitalised. There should be no postcode lottery.”

Participation in the program is voluntary and there is no penalty for hospitals that do not meet the criteria, but Australian and New Zealand Stroke Organisation president Professor Tim Kleinig is optimistic that all Australian hospitals with self-designated stroke units will apply for certification over time.

“This is an opportunity for all Australian hospitals treating patients with stroke to further enhance the already excellent work their stroke teams deliver.

“Quality stroke unit care is critical, and all Australians deserve nothing less. We must ensure everyone unfortunate enough to have a stroke has the best possible chance, not only of survival, but also a good post-stroke recovery.”

He applauded University Hospital and the others with the certification for taking the necessary steps in ensuring they met and maintained a high quality of stroke care.

“Along with the World Health Organization and World Stroke Organization, we hope all hospitals providing stroke care will participate in the certification process,” Professor Kleinig said.